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Aryna Sabalenka crushes Zheng to defend Australian Open title
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27 Jan 2024, 17:09
An authoritative Aryna Sabalenka blew China's Zheng Qinwen off court Saturday to successfully defend her Australian Open title - the first woman to do so in more than a decade.
The Belarusian world No 2 proved too powerful for the 12th seed with a 6-3, 6-2 drubbing in 76 minutes to claim her second Grand Slam crown on Rod Laver Arena.
It capped an incredible display of power and poise from Sabalenka over the past fortnight, with the 25-year old surging to the title without losing a set through her seven matches.
The last time the tournament witnessed a successful women's title defence was in 2013, when fellow Belarusian Victoria Azarenka achieved the feat.
With her latest exploits, Sabalenka cemented her reputation as one of the game's most consistent contenders at Grand Slams, reaching at least the semi-finals in her past six majors, making three finals and winning twice.
In vivid red, she overwhelmed Zheng with her crushing groundstrokes deep into both corners and a consistently reliable serve.
Zheng had reached her first Grand Slam final without meeting a seed after a host of players crashed out early on her side of the draw, and the gulf in class was quickly exposed.
The Belarusian opened with a comfortable serve then got a look at two break points at 15-40 in Zheng's opening service game when the Chinese star sprayed a backhand wide.
She seized the chance, attacking her opponent's second serve for the break.
Sabalenka consolidated on serve for 3-0, but only after saving three break points as Zheng's nerves settled and she worked to get into the contest.
The Chinese star finally got on the board as her serve hit its mark in game four, with two big unreturnable aces and a forehand winner giving her confidence.
But she had few answers to the booming Sabalenka serve, struggling to get the ball back over the net and into any rallies.
Zheng saved three set points with a pair of aces and a winner to hold for 3-5, but it was delaying the inevitable as Sabalenka closed out the set on serve in 33 minutes.
Three double faults, including on break point, immediately put Zheng on the back foot on the second set as the pressure took its toll.
And there was no way back as she conceded another break to slump 4-1 behind when Sabalenka perfectly played a drop shot.
Fighting until the end, Zheng saved four championship points before the second seed closed out the match to bank her 14th career title.
Despite the loss, it has been a breakthrough tournament for Zheng, who will move into the world's top 10 when the new rankings are released next week.
Sabalenka will remain at No 2 behind Iga Swiatek, who crashed out in the third round.
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Bangladesh to Face Afghanistan in First ODI Tomorrow
Bangladesh and Afghanistan will renew their rivalry in the three-match ODI series starting on November 6. These three matches will kickstart their preparations for the Champions Trophy which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan next year. For the unversed, Afghanistan is playing in the said ICC event for the first time in their cricketing history.
Hashmatullah Shahidi continues to be the captain of the ODI team even as Afghanistan has filled its squad with talented spin bowlers. Rashid Khan leads the attack for them while the likes of Mohammad Nabi, Noor Ahmad, and Nageyalia Kharote will assist him. Having beaten Bangladesh before, Afghanistan will be confident of putting up a good show in the series.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be without Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das who are missing this series for different reasons. Probably for the same reason, Najmul Hossain Shanto has agreed to lead for one more series after offering his resignation post the two-match Test series against South Africa at home.
Here's all you need to know about AFG vs BAN ODI Series:
Schedule
1st ODI - November 6: 4.00 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time, BST)
2nd ODI - November 9: 4.00 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time, BST)
3rd ODI - November 11: 4.00 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time, BST)
Venue
All three matches of this ODI series will take place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in UAE.
Playing XI
Bangladesh Squad: Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (C), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmadullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Zakir Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Nahid Rana.
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Bilal Sami, Darwish Rasooli, Abdul Malik, Nangeyalia Kharote, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Noor Ahmad, Naveed Zadran, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Allah Ghazanfar.
Where to watch in Bangladesh
Nagorik TV, T Sports
Bangladesh Eyes Revival in Sharjah Against Afghanistan Today
Following their home Test series against South Africa, Bangladesh is set to face Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates. From Wednesday, November 6, the two teams will meet in the first of a three-match ODI series. After enduring a series of consecutive whitewashes in Test cricket, the Tigers will look to bounce back in the ODI format against Afghanistan.
The match will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE, starting at 4 PM Bangladesh time. This match marks the 300th international cricket match to be hosted at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, making it the first international venue in the UAE to achieve this milestone. Bangladesh, by stepping onto the field in the afternoon, will become part of this historic moment.
However, when it comes to history, Bangladesh does not find itself in a favorable position. Between 1990 and 1995, the Tigers played six ODIs at this ground, and they lost all of them. After 29 years, Bangladesh will once again play an ODI here, having participated in a few T20 matches in the interim, including during the T20 World Cup, but none of those matches ended in victory.
On the other hand, Afghanistan has not lost any series at this ground in the last seven years. Recently, they defeated the powerful South African team here, further enhancing their reputation. Thus, Bangladesh enters this 'unknown' ground against a familiar opponent, and Afghanistan will likely be considered the favorites in the first match of the series.
Statistically, however, the head-to-head record favors Bangladesh. In 16 ODIs against Afghanistan, Bangladesh has won 10. They have also won the last three ODIs between the two teams. With this in mind, the Tigers are ready to turn the tide in this match. Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto confirmed their intent to bounce back during a press conference on the eve of the match. However, he also emphasized that he doesn’t want anyone to take undue pressure while batting.
Shanto said, "I believe that in any format, the top order, or the start of the innings, is very important. I don’t want anyone to bat under too much pressure. The top-order players should enjoy the game and play for the team to the best of their ability."
The Tigers, who have been stuck in a cycle of whitewashes, are targeting a turnaround in the Afghanistan series. While two members of the squad have yet to join the team in the UAE due to visa issues, Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi isn’t concerned with these details.
In a press conference before the first ODI, Shahidi said, “Actually, I didn’t know about the visa issue of the two Bangladeshi players. But as I said earlier, we are not thinking about them; we are only focused on ourselves. We are concentrating on our team and giving our best effort. I don’t know what has happened with their squad. We are just staying focused on our team."
In terms of success, Bangladesh has been consistent in ODIs. In their last series at home against Sri Lanka in March, they won 2–1. Additionally, they secured a victory over New Zealand in Napier last December. Thus, with some positive memories, Bangladesh may step onto the field against Afghanistan with confidence, although the task ahead is not going to be easy. Still, Bangladesh's fans remain hopeful for a victory in their favorite format.
Ronaldo's goal crushes Al Ain as Al Nassr dominates
Al Ain, the reigning AFC Champions League champions, suffered a heavy defeat on Tuesday night, losing 5-1 to Al Nassr. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo scored the second goal for his team. This victory lifted the Saudi club to third place in the points table for the AFC Champions League Elite West Zone.
Last season, Ronaldo's team had been knocked out in the quarterfinals by this same Al Ain. With this win, Ronaldo and his team avenged that previous defeat.
Al Nassr now has 10 points from three wins in four matches. Al Hilal leads with 12 points, while Al Ahli, also on 10 points, sits in second place due to goal difference.
Al Nassr took the lead in the fifth minute with a goal by Anderson Talisca. Ronaldo scored in the 31st minute. After a long-range shot from Senegalese star Sadio Mané was blocked by Al Ain’s goalkeeper, the ball fell to Ronaldo, who promptly netted it on the rebound.
Al Ain had a chance to pull one back in the 56th minute. Park Young-woo’s shot hit the post and, after bouncing off diving goalkeeper Bento’s back, went into the net as an own goal.
However, Al Ain couldn’t stage a comeback. Al Nassr's 19-year-old Brazilian forward, Wesley, extended the lead with a brilliant finish in the 81st minute. In the fourth minute of added time, Talisca scored another goal, securing Al Nassr's emphatic 5-1 victory.
This defeat has left the Asian champions in a tough spot. With three losses and one draw in four matches, Al Ain now sits at the bottom of the 12-team West group, making it challenging for them to advance to the Round of 16.
Dutch-Bangla Bank Named BPL Title Sponsor
Dutch-Bangla Bank has become the main sponsor for the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). Additionally, Dutch-Bangla Bank's mobile financial service, Rocket, and e-wallet app, NexusPay, will serve as powered-by sponsors and co-sponsors.
On Wednesday, November 6, this popular institution in the country announced its sponsorship for the BPL in a grand event at Mirpur’s Home of Cricket.
Present at the event were BCB Director Nazmul Abedin Fahim and Dutch-Bangla Bank’s Managing Director Abul Kasem Mohammad Shirin.
Dutch-Bangla Bank’s two mobile banking branches, Rocket and NexusPay, will also participate as associate sponsors for this season’s BPL.
Notably, the 11th season of the BPL will feature seven teams, including three new ones. The nearly month-and-a-half-long tournament will conclude on February 7 of next year.
This season’s seven BPL teams are Dhaka Capitals, Chittagong Kings, Durbur Rajshahi, Fortune Barishal, Khulna Tigers, Rangpur Riders, and Sylhet Strikers.
Among the previous teams, Comilla Victorians and Chattogram Challengers are not returning. Additionally, Dhaka's ownership has changed, and Durbur Rajshahi has rejoined the league.
Mbappe Omitted From France Squad Amid Poor Form
Kylian Mbappe has not been included in France's squad for their Nations League fixtures against Israel and Italy, head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed on Thursday as his captain's absence now stretches to four matches.
The 25-year-old forward has drawn criticism for his performances since he joined Real Madrid in the summer, with the Spanish club trailing Barcelona by nine points in La Liga and languishing in 18th spot in the Champions League league table. He missed two France games last month, against Israel and Belgium.
"I've had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only," Deschamps told a press conference. "Kylian wanted to come."
Despite the criticism, Mbappe has scored six goals and provided one assist in 10 games for his new club, but has struggled to form a productive relationship with fellow Madrid star Vinícius Júnior.
Mbappe was caught offside a career-high eight times in last month's Clásico -- matching the highest total for any player in a La Liga game in the last 15 years -- as Barcelona thrashed Madrid in a 4-0 victory.
"We may not agree on everything," Deschamps added. "These are discussions I can have with the players. I'm not here to be told by the players that I'm the best and the most handsome. I listen to them. I've always been inspired by these discussions, whether individual or collective, protecting all the players.
"That's why I can have many discussions that can go beyond the sphere of the pitch because they know very well that we know who has spoken if something comes up. These exchanges are important to me. With the advantage of hindsight, calm, and as much clarity as possible, I make the decisions that seem best to me."
Last month Mbappe was criticised in his home country for skipping Les Bleus' Nations League games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Madrid.
France, who are second in Group A2 -- a point behind Italy after four games -- take on Israel next Thursday at the Stade de France and travel to face the Italians on Nov. 17.
France squad:
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Brice Samba (Lens), Lucas Chevalier (Lille)
Defenders: Jonathan Clauss (Nice), Lucas Digne (Aston Villa), Wesley Fofana (Chelsea), Theo Hernández (AC Milan), Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool), Jules Koundé (Barcelona), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Matteo Guendouzi (Lazio), N'Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad), Manu Koné (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille), Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (PSG), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), Randal Kolo Muani (PSG), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Bangladesh vs Afghanistan 2nd ODI: Take A Look at The Possible XI
After thrashing Bangladesh in the 1st ODI by 92 runs, Afghanistan will look to make it 2 wins on the bounce and wrap up the 3-match ODI series with a game in hand when the two sides meet again on Saturday (November 9).
In the first ODI, the Bangla Tigers suffered an embarrassing collapse while chasing 235 runs, going from 123/3 to 143 all out as 18-year-old Allah Ghazanfar rained fire on them and snapped up 6 wickets. His victims were Tanzid Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam while Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 47 runs.
Here's a live-streaming guide for the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI:
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI match will be played on Saturday, November 9.
The second ODI between Afghanistan and Bangladesh will be held at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah.
The second Afghanistan vs Bangladesh ODI will begin at 4.00 pm (Bangladesh Standard Time).
The Afghanistan vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI match will be telecast live on T Sports, Nagorik TV.
Bangladesh Squad: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Jaker Ali(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Zakir Hasan, Nahid Rana
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Nangeyalia Kharote, Allah Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ikram Alikhil(w), Azmatullah Omarzai, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Darwish Rasooli, Riaz Hassan, Noor Ahmad, Abdul Malik, Bilal Sami, Naveed Zadran
Al Hilal Strengthens Lead with Win; Al Nassr Triumphs Over Al Riyadh
Last season, Al Hilal stunned everyone by winning the Saudi Pro League title undefeated. This season, the record champions of the Saudi League are still flying high, as they secured a victory against Al Ittifaq. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, who were no match for Al Hilal last season despite their best efforts, has had a slower start to this season. However, after a big win in the AFC Champions League, Al Nassr triumphed over Al Riyadh in their latest match.
On Friday (November 8), in a Saudi Pro League match, Al Hilal defeated Al Ittifaq 3-1. For the current champions, Alexander Mitrovic, Malcom, and Mohamed Al-Qahatani scored. Al Ittifaq’s sole goal came from Victor Vinicius.
In another match, Al Nassr won 1-0 against Al Riyadh, with Sadio Mane scoring the only goal for Al Nassr.
At King Saud University Stadium, Al Hilal took the lead during added time in the first half, with Mitrovic scoring. This was the Serbian’s 11th goal in the 10th league match, and he has scored 18 goals in 16 matches overall.
In the second half, Al Hilal attacked relentlessly but struggled to find the net. Finally, towards the end of the match, Brazilian star Malcom doubled the lead.
In the fourth minute of added time, Al Ittifaq’s Victor Vinicius pulled one back, adding excitement to the match. But just two minutes later, Al Qahatani extinguished any hopes of a comeback. In the eighth minute of added time, Al Ittifaq’s Abdullah Radif was sent off with a red card.
At Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium, Al Nassr created an onslaught of attacks, but they managed to win by the smallest margin. Despite taking 17 shots, with 10 on target, they scored only once.
In the 41st minute of the match, Sadio Mane scored to give Al Nassr the lead, which they held onto to secure the win. Although Cristiano Ronaldo played in this match, he failed to score.
In the Saudi Pro League, Al Hilal tops the table with 28 points from 9 wins and 1 draw in 10 matches. Al Nassr sits in third place with 22 points from 6 wins and 4 draws. Al Ittihad is second with 27 points, having won 9 and lost 1 in 10 matches.
